Candidate Election Information
Board of Education Candidates
May 20, 2025, Election
Below is information provided by the four (4) candidates seeking election to two (2) seats on the Board of Education. The two (2) candidates with the highest vote count will be elected to the Board of Education.
The Board of Education is elected by District voters to govern schools and determine educational policies. Technically, Board members are Local Officials, their authority and duties are defined by the state and federal constitutions and laws as well as by rules and regulations promulgated by the Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Education, and other regulatory agencies. Terms are for three years. Board candidates run at-large instead of for a specific seat. Members of the Board of Education are volunteers, and they receive no salary for their work.
The Board of Education does not have the day-to-day responsibilities of running a school district, rather their role is oversight and setting policy. The Superintendent of Schools is responsible for all aspects of running the district, and he/she reports to the Board.
1A on the Ballot – Tom Provost
Candidate Address: 53 Deer Run, Orchard Park, NY 14127
Family Information: Dr. Karin Provost is my wife and we have three children, Abby who is a senior at OPHS, and Ellie and Tommy who are both 7th graders at OPMS.
Career: I retired from the FBI in May 2022, after working 20 years as a Special Agent investigating healthcare fraud, general financial crimes, and civil rights violations. Since June 2022, I have worked in the Financial Investigations Unit of M&T Bank where I investigate fraud schemes targeting elderly and at-risk adult customers and write reports that identify suspects for law enforcement action.
Reasons for Running: I am running for re-election to continue the work I have done to provide Orchard Park students with the resources they need for an excellent education, and to do so in a financially responsible way for the taxpayers of our school district. I am proud of the work I have done on the School Board and on the District Safety Committee to help ensure that there is now a School Resource Officer at each of our schools. I am also proud to have supported the expansion of services the district offers, which not only has allowed more special education students to return to schools in Orchard Park, but will soon provide universal pre-K to all families in our district. The dedication and hard work of the administrative staff, teachers, and school related professionals has been integral to our work and with your support, I hope to continue to work with them to provide our students the outstanding instruction and skills that are a foundation for a lifetime of success. Thank you.
2A on the Ballot – Ryan Anderson
Candidate Address: 4303 Freeman Rd. Orchard Park, NY
Family Information: I am married to Alexandra Anderson and we have four children: Samuel, Anneliese, Owen, and Eric.
Career: I graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2009. I have worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer for 15 years, at Cobham Mission Systems (Now Eaton) from 2009 to 2022, and at Moog Space and Defense since 2022.
Reasons for Running: It has been my honor to serve on the Orchard Park Board of Education for the past three years, two as Vice President. I treasure my responsibility to listen to our community, to advocate for the issues that are important to us, and to help set our district priorities to maintain and grow our excellence in maximizing all our students’ potentials.
During my term, I’ve advocated for important academic improvements such as the Science of Reading, data-driven decisions, and supporting our marginalized and special needs students. I’ve been extremely encouraged by the recent strides Orchard Park has made in these areas.
I’ve also emphasized transparency and communication with our community, working with the administration to create the Board Report emailed after every BOE meeting, with information about what our district is doing and links to helpful resources.
As there is still so much more to do, I’m asking for your vote on May 20th so I may use my experience to continue advocating for our community and students for the next three years.
3A on the Ballot – Luis Jesus Villalpando
Candidate Address: 4648 Brompton Dr. Blasdell, NY 14219
Family Information:
Mom: Martha Villalpando
Dad: Jose Villalpando
Brother’s: Kevin and Gale Villalpando
Sister: Samantha Villalpando
Career: El Canelo server: 2017-present
Reasons for Running: Greetings to all readers, my reason for running for the board of education is because we need a person who knows what students and the community need right now. I’m currently a student at the University at Buffalo majoring in biomedical sciences. I’m also a certified EMT for New York State. I know you might be wondering why you should vote for me the reason is I can bring things from the university to make the community more diverse and more inclusive. I want to make sure that everyone is getting the highest quality of education. I want to make sure another school in the OPCSD gets another blue ribbon. A school system shouldn’t be so divided. I want to make sure we can all lend a hand because once we do, we will become united and one. I promise I will always be there to listen and respectfully answer any questions no matter what. I really hope I can count on your vote on May 20th, 2025. Together we can make a difference.
4A on the Ballot – Tijuana Klas
Candidate Address: 36 Cherry Tree Lane
Family Information: Married (17 years) with one child (9 years old) and
one dog
Career: (Retired) Criminal Investigator/Special Agent with a Federal law enforcement agency for 23+ years
Reasons for Running: I am running for the school board so that I can support the Orchard Park Central School District Board of Education’s mission to maintain “an atmosphere of excellence and accountability.” As a parent of a student in the Orchard Park School District, I have a vested interest in fostering a high-quality education that prepares students for future success. As a retired federal agent, I have more than 23 years of experience analyzing and interpreting laws and policies, ensuring their consistent and fair application, and providing guidance for stakeholders. I am excited for the opportunity to lend these skills to promote accountability, transparency, and fairness at all levels—students, teachers, and administrators alike. I also see this as an opportunity to stay engaged and give back to my community by using my experience in leadership and problem-solving to create positive change. With a commitment to upholding the values that make our schools strong, I ask for your support in helping to shape a school system that prioritizes excellence, fairness, and the best interests of every student.